In this section we show
the basics on how to fabricate those inflateable floats you see on some
helis serviceing
over water. They are nothing more than shuttle boom pieces which are very
light covered with raincoat matierial and then
stitched with fishing line to look like they can burst apart at the pilots
discretion. They are non-functioning but may add
that look you need to give the machine the extra something special.
This is a Twin-Star equipped with the
Graupner Uni-2000 system and O.S. Max .91 motor, We are using the 10:1 ratio
and large 800mm blades.The flight perfomance is fantastic to say the very
least, rock solid and powerful. This helicopter
will added to the photo gallery soon....Maui Air , a hawwain operator for
sightseeing tours in Maui.
We start with pieces of Hirobo shuttle boom
which is very thin wall aluminum.
Once cut to the proper length, we then measure
out the matierial needed to cover
them, in this case black nylon raincoat fabric which is rubberized
on one side. We
will use this side for the outer skin.
...
The raincoat fabric must be cut enough
to cover the boom tube and meet and also have a 3/4" overlap folded
under on both ends as they meet so the seam will be doubled up and able
to take the stitching without tearing.
So the fabric is as wide as the boom is round plus 1.5 inches for total
overlap(which is tucked under).
...
The basic things are tapestry needles, 30lb
monofiliment fishing line and super 77 spray contact adhesive or equivilent.
The fabric once cut is layed out on a piece of cardboard and sprayed with
adhesive and left to set for few minutes.
The boom tube is then covered with the seam brought together and set to
dry for the better part of the day (24hours best).
Then its time to stitch the laces cross style spacing your holes about
10 mm apart. You'll need about 4 times the legnth of the
boom piece in fishing line in order to do it in one piece without interuptions
in the stitch. (Practice on something else).
...
The air-feed hoses are made from 1/16" alu
tubing covered with shrink sleeve and then banded with chartpak tape
which available in most art supply stores. Thin Ca is used to secure then
from unwraping. The final installation is done
with two small holes near each skid tube which accomodates two small clear
zip ties. Followed with a dab of PFM glue
and they are secure and firm without the need for bolts or screws which
can vibrate loose anyway.
And thats about it, with a little time and effort
these can be made quite easily, feel free to e-mail us with questions...